APPLYING HUMAN DIGNITY Searching for the Seamless Garment

Applying Human Dignity  SCV.03 identify the role of Scripture in ethical and moral decision-making;  PFV.03 explore ways Church teaching can help people understand contemporary ethical and moral issues as part of the discernment process.  CMV.05 apply Church teaching to contemporary ethical and moral issues.  FLV.03 apply related Church teaching to values and practices that promote or undermine relationships and the sacredness of life.  We will apply the Consistent Ethic of Life and the notion of Human Dignity to the contemporary issues (i.e., abortion & euthanasia).

When we engage in discussion about moral or ethical issues, we can let our passions guide our debate and use a disrespectful tone. The protocols for discussion inhibit disrespect and encourage thoughtful, critical, and significant interactions. The simplest protocol is ‘The Four A’s:’ What might I agree with, add, ask, or argue? Discussion Protocols

Applying Human Dignity  The first and fundamental theme of CST is the life and dignity of the human person.  Without recognizing, affirming, and advocating for human dignity the Consistent Ethic of Life cannot operate.  Human dignity is central to understanding many of the most passionately debated, often divisive topics today.

Applying Human Dignity  The CEL reminds us, as does Pope Emeritus Benedict in Caritas in Veritate, that social ethics cannot be properly understood without life ethics and vice- versa.  The CEL calls us to diligently care for people at the beginning, middle, and end of life:

Euthanasia & Capital Punishment Euthanasia & Capital Punishment Applying Human Dignity Abortion, Contraception, & Assisted Reproduction Abortion, Contraception, & Assisted Reproduction Human Trafficking, Economic Disparity, War, & Climate Change et al. Human Trafficking, Economic Disparity, War, & Climate Change et al. How we care for people during their lives contributes to a culture of life or a culture of death thus influences the decisions we take regarding life ethics. How we make decisions about questions of life ethics describes a moral framework which then influences the decisions we take regarding social ethics.

Applying Human Dignity  We will examine two issues related to human dignity, each of which may prompt passionate responses. We will be conscious of our own responses and respectful of others:  Abortion – the ending of a life prior to birth.  Euthanasia – the ending of a life prior to natural death. We are not concerned principally with describing the Church’s position on the issue but rather upon how it is developed.

Abortion  As you understand it, what are the principle issues and questions that surround the debate concerning abortion?  Think-Pair-Share 1. Take five minutes of silent reflection and write down your thoughts; 2. Take ten minutes with a partner to share your ideas and identify two or three key points to share; 3. Share your ideas with the group by scribing on the white- board.

Abortion  What data or information might be helpful in forming an opinion?

Abortion  What data or information might be helpful in forming an opinion?  Read the text, Living Justice and Peace, pages 113 (Life: A Right for All) to 123 (Abortion and Mercy).  Answer questions 3-5 (page 118) and 6-7 (page126)  Read the homily given by Archbishop Gervais.  How does he articulate a scriptural approach to understanding abortion?

Euthanasia  Euthanasia means good death and is often referred to as assisted suicide. It describes the ending of a life prior to natural death in order to avoid real or perceived suffering.  It is important to distinguish between  Active euthanasia which introduces an external agency to end a life, and  Passive euthanasia which removes an external agency to sustain a life.

Euthanasia  As you understand it, what are the principle issues and questions that surround the debate concerning Euthanasia?  Think-Pair-Share (with a different partner) 1. Take five minutes of silent reflection and write down your thoughts; 2. Take ten minutes with a partner to share your ideas and identify two or three key points to share; 3. Share your ideas with the group by scribing on the white- board.

Euthanasia  Did you sense the same degree of passion when discussing this issue compared to abortion? Why might that be?  Watch the film, Turning the Tide, and complete a mind map identifying the key vocabulary, issues, and conclusions that it presents. Be prepared to share with the class.

Applying Human Dignity  Select the issue of abortion or euthanasia and write a journal reflection that describes how the Consistent Ethic of Life might apply, how Catholics are called to respond, and how it might relate to your own belief (does it align, does it challenge, has the discussion caused you to think more deeply about the question?)